02
Nov
2015

PAAIA Expresses Serious Concern Regarding the Detention of Another Iranian American in Iran

October 30, 2015, Washington, D.C. – Siamak Namazi, an Iranian American consultant, was reported to have been arrested and detained in Iran by the Intelligence wing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps for undetermined reasons.

Namazi, who supports improved diplomatic relations between the US and Iran, currently works for the Crescent Petroleum Company, based out of Dubai, as their Head of Strategic Planning.  He has also worked as consultant to companies seeking business opportunities in Iran’s emerging market economy. 

According to media accounts, Namazi was visiting friends and family in Tehran when he was arrested.  It is not clear on what grounds Namazi was detained or if he has been officially charged with any crime.  Many Iran experts, however, see this arrest as a signal of a possible backlash against the recent nuclear agreement by opponents in Iran.

As an organization that represents the interests of Iranian Americans, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is deeply troubled by the reported detention Namazi as well as the detention of other Iranian Americans by the authorities in Iran.

Iranian Americans Jason Rezaian, Amir Hekmati, and Pastor Saeed Abedini continue to be detained in Iran despite calls for their release.  U.S. officials, including President Obama and U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, have reiterated their request for the release of American citizens detained in Iran. 

PAAIA seeks to protect Iranian Americans’ right to immunity from harassment and unlawful detention when traveling outside the United States, including in Iran.  PAAIA calls on the authorities in Iran to safeguard the rights, safety and security of all Iranian Americans traveling to or living in Iran, including Mr. Namazi.  We also urge the U.S. State Department to fully investigate this matter and to work for the return of all Iranian Americans who are unjustly being detained in Iran.  

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